Colombian Immigration Services

Newland Chase provides clients with a deep expertise in all areas of Colombian Immigration as well as effective advice wherever in the world our clients undertake their business. We invest in the best talent to bring you immigration solutions customised to your business needs. Our immigration consultants provide clear and practical solutions in Colombia and globally through 60 offices around the world.

For migration advice and support contact one of our office locations, or send an email using the button below.

There are a number of professions in which the skills of foreign workers are in demand. These are mostly in areas such as the medical profession, as well as in education and construction.
The oil and gas industry, and mining industry does recruit foreign workers, however this is generally through intra-company transfers from branches overseas.

Opportunities are more regularly available to those who have knowledge of Spanish on some level. Most expats travel to Colombia to work as English teachers. There are also opportunities in the oil and gas industry, construction and medicine.

There are a number of options for long term assignments in Colombia, with the option of applying overseas at a Colombian diplomatic post or upon arrival in Colombia (Post-Arrival Change of Status).
The temporary work visa is the category in for employers based in Colombia to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work on a temporary basis. These are split into two categories:

Please also note there is a separate category intended for applicants who enter the country to provide specialised technical assistance to a private or public Colombian entity known as a “TP-13 Technical Assistance” visa. This is a short term, non-renewable visa valid for 180 days.

Processes and requirements may vary slightly according to the type of work permit being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, the country of application and personal circumstances of the assignee and any family dependants. We therefore recommend that you contact us for up-to-date information.
The general process will include:

Submission of an application for a Temporary Work Visa, post-entry registration with the Agency of National Migration in order to apply for an Alien ID Card. Those applying to switch status post-arrival will also need to obtain a Temporary Visitor Permit (PIP) at the port of entry.

Requirements will vary according to type of work permit, country of application, and nationality of the applicant and any dependants.
However, applicants will be required to submit a variety of personal documents to support the application which include, but are not limited to:

Passport plus a copy of the information page and last entry to Colombia, copies of any previous visas for Colombia, degree certificate, Proof of Blood Type, a completed Ebola questionnaire; as well as a variety of corporate documents which may include: Chamber of Commerce Certificate, financial statements, supporting letter, tax return, bank receipts and contract summary form. Birth certificates and marriage certificates of family dependants will also be required.

Some personal documents will also need to be legalised prior to submission. Some documents will also need to be translated. Newland Chase can assist with this.

Those who have held a TP-4 Visa for an uninterrupted period of five years can apply for a permanent residency visa (Visa de Residente).
Holders of the following visas can also apply for permanent residence after residing in Colombia for an uninterrupted period for 5 years:

TP-3 – Student

TP-7 – Retired, business owner, property owner, medical treatment

Holders of a TP-10 – Spouse/ partner of a Colombian national can apply for permanent residence after 3 years of uninterrupted residence.

Some supporting documentation will require legalisation, which, depending on the country of origin, may take several weeks.

As such, you would be advised to start the visa application process well in advance of the desired date of relocation. Check with Newland Chase for all up-to-date information on visa requirements and for assistance with ensuring a successful application.

Contact Us

We welcome the opportunity to have a conversation about your international business goals, how they are impacted by the constantly shifting world of global immigration, and what you and Newland Chase can do together to achieve those goals.